A right-wing Isco cross isolated Ignashevich and Sergio Ramos at the back post, the Russia defender turning the ball home via his heel as he desperately tried to block his opponent's run.

But Russia drew level in the 41st minute, Artem Dzyuba smashing home a penalty after his header was blocked by Gerard Pique's arm in the box.

A stodgy Spain could not break the hosts down and were denied a penalty following a VAR review in extra-time, sending the tie to a shoot-out.

Akinfeev saved a terrible Koke penalty to put Russia in control and with David de Gea unable to stop any of the four kicks he faced, Aspas' effort was brilliantly blocked by the goalkeeper to spark chaotic celebrations.

Aleksandr Golovin's early break down the right raised excitement levels among Russia's loud following, but his cross was blocked and Aleksandr Samedov's resulting corner was too deep.

Spain then took the lead from a more accurate set-piece in the 12th minute.

Isco's free-kick from deep on the right saw Ignashevich grappling with Ramos at the back post, the ball inadvertently bouncing past Akinfeev off the veteran defender's heel, although Spain's captain tried to claim the goal.

Spain were dominating possession but complacency edged into their game and the next big chance fell to Russia in the 36th minute, Golovin bending a shot wide after Dzyuba held off Ramos to win a header.

And Russia were then gifted a penalty when Pique handled in the box.

Dzyuba - whose header was blocked by the defender's arm - crashed home from 12 yards to send the sides into half-time level after Akinfeev did well to deny Diego Costa.

Jordi Alba and Costa missed efforts after the restart as Spain tried to increase their tempo.

Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov could smell a major upset, introducing Villarreal midfielder Denis Cheryshev, who hit three goals in the group stage, while Spain sent for Andres Iniesta, who had started 21 consecutive matches at international tournaments.

And it was Iniesta who almost came up with the winner in the 85th minute, Akinfeev getting down low to his right to save, the goalkeeper then denying Iago Aspas on the rebound.

Akinfeev claimed Pique's header and pushed away a Rodrigo Moreno shot in extra-time, while the introduction of Aleksandr Erokhin as Russia's fourth substitute made World Cup history.

Pique and Ramos both appeared to be held from a set-piece but, after a VAR check, referee Bjorn Kuipers waved away Spain's desperate appeals.